Florida voters support 47 - 22 percent the Super Homestead Exemption plan, a constitutional
amendment to reduce property taxes, with two-thirds of voters saying the proposal must be explained
more clearly, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. This is down from 57 - 17
percent support for the tax cut plan in a July 19 poll and short of the 60-percent majority needed for
passage.

"The poll offers conflicting signals about the January 29 referendum. Opponents will be happy
that the level of support has dropped from 57 percent to 47 percent - 13 points short of the margin
needed for passage," said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling
Institute. "Supporters, however, can take some heart that there remains a strong desire for more tax
cuts and not that much sympathy for local government claims they can't lose the revenue.

"Republicans like this tax cut plan more than Democrats. So the Democratic National
Committee decision on the status of Florida's presidential primary could affect the Super Homestead
Exemption plan if fewer Democrats turn out January 29 for a 'beauty contest.'"

Florida voters prefer 51 - 31 percent service cuts instead of tax hikes to close the state budget
deficit. By a 69 - 21 percent margin, voters want Crist and the Legislature to pick and choose which
programs are cut rather than make an across-the board budget reduction.

"The bad news for Gov. Crist is that his approval rating is below 70 percent for the first time in
months. The good news is he is still more popular than most governors in America and has a 64 - 23
percent rating from opposition Democrats," said Brown.

Florida voters say 55 - 23 percent that Crist has kept his campaign promises so far, but say
62 - 29 percent that property taxes will not drop significantly during his term as Governor.

On the property tax cut plan, 25 percent say the cut is too large; 13 percent say it is too small
and 45 percent say it is "about right."

The main rationale of opponents, that the tax cut would rob local governments of needed
revenue, is a valid reason to vote against it, 27 percent say, while 37 percent say it is a valid concern
but not reason to vote against the tax plan and 27 percent say it is not a valid concern.

Asked about the 3 to 9 percent property tax cut passed by lawmakers this spring, depending on
county of residence, 49 percent say it is not large enough; 8 percent say it is too large and 29 percent
say it is "about right."

From September 3 - 9, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,141 Florida voters, with a margin of
error of +/- 2.9 percentage points.
The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public opinion
surveys in Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio and the nation as a public
service and for research.

For more data -- http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x271.xml, or call (203) 582-5201.

31. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Charlie Crist is handling his job as
Governor?

41. When Governor Crist said that property taxes would "drop like a rock", do you
think that he was promising something that he knew he could not deliver or do you
think that he believed property taxes would drop much more significantly than they
have so far?

43. As you may know, the state passed a new property tax law cutting property
taxes this year by an average of about 3 to 9 percent depending on where you live.
Is this year's cut in property taxes too large, not large enough, or about right?

TREND: As you may know, the state also passed a new property tax law cutting
property taxes this year by an average of about 3 to 9 percent depending on where
you live. Is this year's cut in property taxes too large, not large enough, or
about right?

Sep 11 Jul 19
2007 2007

Too large 8 8
Not large enough 49 47
About right 29 29
DK/NA 13 16

44. Voters will have the the option in a referendum next January to vote on a
constitutional amendment creating additional property tax cuts in the form of a
"Super Homestead Exemption". How much have you heard or read about this proposal?
A lot, some, only a little or nothing at all?

TREND: Voters will have the the option in a referendum next January to vote on a
constitutional amendment creating additional property tax cuts in the form of a
"Super Homestead Exemption". How much have you heard or read about this proposal?
A lot, some, only a little or nothing at all?

Sep 11 Jul 19
2007 2007

A lot 16 14
Some 26 26
Only a little 26 30
Nothing at all 29 27
DK/NA 2 2

45. In general do you support or oppose the Super Homestead Exemption plan?

TREND: At this point in time what comes closest to your view about the details
of this plan --
A) It has been clearly explained.
B) It could use a little more explanation. OR
C) It could use a lot more explanation.

47. Under the Super Homestead Exemption plan homeowners would not have to pay
taxes on 75 percent of the first $200,000 of their home's value and would not have
to pay taxes on 15 percent of the next $300,000 of their home's value. In general,
do you think this proposed tax cut is too large, not large enough, or about right?

TREND: Under the Super Homestead Exemption plan homeowners would not have to pay
taxes on 75 percent of the first $200,000 of their home's value and would not
have to pay taxes on 15 percent of the next $300,000 of their home's value.
In general, do you think this proposed tax cut is too large, not large enough,
or about right?

Sep 11 Jul 19
2007 2007

Too large 25 20
Not large enough 13 13
About right 45 52
DK/NA 17 15

48. Some local government's officials, government employee unions and others are
opposed to this plan saying that the proposal would deprive local governments of
tax revenue they need to provide necessary services to residents. Which of the
following comes closer to your view?

TREND: Some local government's officials, government employee unions and others
are opposed to this plan saying that the proposal would deprive local governments
of tax revenue they need to provide necessary services to residents.
Which of the following comes closer to your view --
A) That is a valid concern and a reason to vote against the proposal.
B) This is a valid concern but not a reason to vote against the proposal. OR
C) This is not a valid concern.

49. As you may know this years state budget is at least 1.1 billion dollars
short of the 71 billion dollars needed to balance. Who do you trust more to
solve Florida's budget problems the legislature or the Governor?

52. Another alternative is that the state has 1.8 billion dollars in reserve for
emergencies. Do you think that lawmakers should use that money to close the
current budget gap or save it in case the budget situation worsens?

53. Another alternative is that the state government allow more legalized gambling
in Florida and use the additional tax revenue from gambling as a way to help close
the budget deficit. Do you think that Florida should allow more legalized gambling
or not?